Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.
After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Paul Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals
On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.
“I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago … Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.” Said Paul Harris
The Rotary Club of Hamilton was the second Canadian Chartered Rotary Club, founded in 1913. Over 100 years strong, the Rotary Club of Hamilton has supported children & youth and families locally and internationally. Today, we gather on Thursday at Noon for fellowship and to make our community a better place to live and grow! Happy Birthday Rotary!
